Dr. Scott Springston will serve as the next superintendent of the Park Hill School District.

Denise Schnell, board president, announced that Dr. Springston accepted the Park Hill School District's job offer during a board of education meeting held Thursday, Feb. 9.

Springston will start his new role on July 2012.

Superintendent Dr. Dennis Fisher will remain on board until June 2012.

Dr. Springston currently serves as the superintendent of Valley Center School District in Kansas. Prior to serving the district's top role he served for two years as an assistant superintendent.

He has also served as a middle school principal and assistant principal for the Blue Valley School District. Dr. Springston started his career in education as a science teacher.

During a recent interview with The Landmark, Springston said the Park Hill School District's reputation attracted him to apply for the position.

Dr. Springston also credited the high quality staff, community support, strong sense of student achievement and accomplishment, as well as a strong pursuit of excellence as additional reasons he was eager to serve in the Park Hill School District.

During Dr. Springston's tenure at the Valley Center School District, overall student achievement significantly increased and the district has seen over a 20 point increase per subgroup. The district also successfully passed a $57.5 million dollar bond issue.

The selection of Springston--and some say the process used--were protested last Tuesday when about 25-30 patrons showed up at the district’s office while the school board voted to offer the job to Springston. The previous Friday, the board had announced it was in negotiations with Springston to become the next superintendent.